World Cup streak ends

Australia’s streak of 34 World Cup matches unbeaten is over after a batting collapse led to a four-wicket loss to Pakistan.

Pakistan’s 6-178 with nine overs to spare in reply to Australia’s 176 all out in 46.5 overs delivers top spot in Group A to Shahid Afridi’s side while Australia finished third.

Australia lost 9-101 on the way to their lowest completed World Cup total since 1992. They now face a sudden-death quarter-final next week.

“We have to learn from that, and we have to learn from that quickly,’’ said Australian captain
Ricky Ponting
. But he added: “We’ve lost one of our last 35 games, so I don’t think we’re going that bad."

Ponting scored 10 before being caught behind when the score was 75. He was initially given not out but this was overturned on video review.